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      Mendy ‘rape victim’ told pal that he ‘probably thought he could get away with it’ because he played for Man City

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      A WOMAN allegedly raped by Benjamin Mendy told a pal he “thought he can get away with it” because he played for Man City, a court heard.The left-back, who has been released from the Premier League club, is accused of raping the woman during a party at his mansion.
      Benjamin Mendy is accused of raping the woman at a partyCredit: Getty
      Chester Crown Court heard how she text a friend after the alleged attack, saying: “I can’t stop crying.
      “It was a City player bro. Premier League footballer. That’s why he probably thinks he can get away with it.”
      The alleged victim, named as Woman Two, also told the friend she “kept saying no”, it was said.
      She said how there had been a “bit of a situation” as she asked the pal to call her and explained she had ended up at Mendy’s for an “after party thing”.
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      The woman claimed the footballer “was a bit forcey”, adding: “I kept saying no, I don’t want to.”
      Mendy is accused of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape against two women.
      Jurors have been told the French international was previously found not guilty on other charges following a trial.
      The retrial heard how Woman Two was “forcefully” raped by Mendy in October 2022 after they met at a bar.
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      She had been invited back to his home along with her friends, where they were later asked to hand over their mobiles, it was said.
      Woman Two later followed the star into a bedroom where the doors were locked behind her with an internal locking system, it is alleged.
      Jurors heard Mendy told her he would hand her phone back if he could see her naked, causing the complainant to tell him: “I do not want to have sex with you”.
      He allegedly added: “If you just take off your clothes. I just wanna have a look at you. I promise you I won’t touch you.
      “I just wanna see what you look like. I wanna see your body. I wanna see your t***. Your t*** are so big.”
      She then claims he raped her as she struggled against him and told him no.
      Mendy is accused of calling the woman “too shy” as he claimed: “I’ve had sex with 10,000 women”.
      Jurors heard last week how Woman One was allegedly targeted by the Man City star at a gathering in his mansion.
      She claimed he attempted to rape her after he followed her into the bathroom.
      The court was told she repeatedly asked Mendy to “stop” in French as he held her down.
      He then told her: “Don’t worry. Are you scared?”
      The woman later messaged a pal, saying: “I just got sexually abused, if that’s the right word, by Mendy.”
      She also claimed the footballer “wouldn’t let me go” in the text in October 2018.
      City spent a reported £49.2million signing Mendy from French side Monaco in 2017.
      He last played for the club on August 15, 2021, during their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at the start of last season.
      In September 2020, City boss Pep Guardiola revealed Mendy would be out of the game for at least a month due to an injury.
      He was later suspended pending an investigation after being charged.
      Mendy denies one count of rape and one of attempted rape.
      The trial continues.
      Read More On The Sun
      The footballer denies rape and attempted rapeCredit: Getty
      Mendy has since been released by City More

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      Benjamin Mendy told woman ‘don’t worry, are you scared?’ before ‘trying to rape her when she came out of the shower’

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      BENJAMIN Mendy asked one of his alleged victims “are you scared?” before he tried to rape her when she got out of the shower, a court heard.The woman, referred to in court as Woman One, was allegedly targeted by the Man City star at a gathering in his mansion.
      Benjamin Mendy is facing a retrial for rape and attempted rapeCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      She claims Mendy, 28, attempted to rape her after he followed her into the bathroom, jurors heard.
      The court was told she repeatedly told the France international to “stop” in French as he held her down.
      He then told her: “Don’t worry. Are you scared?”
      The woman later messaged a pal, saying: “I just got sexually abused, if that’s the right word, by Mendy.”
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      She also claimed the footballer “wouldn’t let me go” in the text in October 2018.
      Mendy is accused of one count of rape and one count of attempted rape against two women.
      Chester Crown Court heard yesterday how the French international was previously found not guilty on other charges following a trial.
      The retrial was told how Mendy attempted to rape Woman One after he followed her into the bathroom at his home while she showered.
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      She claimed she was “left in shock” as she saw a “figure at the door” and realised the footballer was stood “aroused” in his boxers.
      The woman said she put a towel around herself and was attempting to put on her underwear when Mendy told her: “You don’t have to be scared”.
      Jurors heard he tried to rape her as she repeatedly asked him to stop before leaving the room.
      The woman later said: “I was confused. Like, do people in his house know what’s happening? Would it make any difference if I’d said anything?
      “I mean, they’re his friends, it’s his territory, I didn’t scream, because I didn’t understand what was going on. I’m not really a screamer anyway, so I just tried to struggle my way out of it.”
      The court was told she had met Mendy and a pal, who she had consensual sex with, in Europe at a nightclub.
      They later arranged to meet up in Manchester in October 2018 where she went to a restaurant and bar with Mendy and the friend.
      While at the second venue, the footballer allegedly came up behind the woman and told her: “When he’s not looking, I’m gonna kidnap you.”
      Jurors also heard how Woman Two was “forcefully” raped by Mendy in October 2022 after they met at a bar.
      She had been invited back to his home along with her friends, where they were later asked to hand over their mobiles, it was said.
      Woman Two later followed the star into a bedroom where the doors were locked behind her with an internal locking system, it is alleged.
      Jurors heard Mendy told her he would hand her phone back if he could see her naked, causing the complainant to tell him: “I do not want to have sex with you”.
      He allegedly added: “If you just take off your clothes. I just wanna have a look at you. I promise you I won’t touch you.
      “I just wanna see what you look like. I wanna see your body. I wanna see your t***. Your t*** are so big.”
      She then claims he raped her as she struggled against him and told him no.
      Mendy is accused of calling the woman “too shy” as he claimed: “I’ve had sex with 10,000 women”.
      The retrial comes after Mendy was listed as being released by City on the Premier League website.
      The Premier League champions haven’t published their own list yet but the left-back’s contract expires at the end of this month.
      City spent a reported £49.2million signing Mendy from French side Monaco in 2017.
      He last played for the club on August 15, 2021, during their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at the start of last season.
      In September 2020, City boss Pep Guardiola revealed Mendy would be out of the game for at least a month due to an injury.
      He was later suspended pending an investigation after being charged.
      Mendy denies one count of rape and one of attempted rape.
      Read More On The Sun
      The trial continues.
      Mendy denies rape and attempted rapeCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      He was suspended by City following the chargeCredit: PA More

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      Man City star Benjamin Mendy told ‘rape victim he slept with 10,000 women’, re-trial hears

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      BENJAMIN Mendy bragged he’d had sex with “10,000 women” after raping a woman at his mansion, his retrial was told today.The Manchester City star, who has been released from the club, is accused of attacking two women.
      Benjamin Mendy is facing a retrial at Chester Crown CourtCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Mendy, 28, is facing a retrial on one count of rape and one count of attempted rape.
      Jurors were told today the French international was previously found not guilty on other charges following a trial.
      One of the alleged victims in the retrial, Woman Two, claimed she was raped during the same incident as two other counts on which Mendy was previously cleared, it was said.
      Jurors were unable to reach an agreement on the third count, which is said to have happened in October 2020.
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      The attempted rape charge allegedly took place in October 2018.
      Chester Crown Court heard today how Woman Two was “forcefully” raped by Mendy in October 2022 after they met at a bar.
      She had been invited back to his home along with her friends, where they were later asked to hand over their mobiles, it was said.
      Mr Aina said this was to “protect Mr Mendy from unwanted social media intrusion, and also any difficulties over the breaking of Covid restrictions”.
      Most read in Football
      Woman Two later followed the star into a bedroom where the doors were locked behind her with an internal locking system, it is alleged.
      Jurors heard Mendy told her he would hand her phone back if he could see her naked, causing the complainant to tell him: “I do not want to have sex with you”.
      He allegedly added: “If you just take off your clothes. I just wanna have a look at you. I promise you I won’t touch you.
      “I just wanna see what you look like. I wanna see your body. I wanna see your t***. Your t*** are so big.”
      She then claims he raped her as she struggled against him and told him no.
      Mendy is accused of calling the woman “too shy” as he claimed: “I’ve had sex with 10,000 women”.
      The court was also told how Mendy attempted to rape Woman One after he followed her into the bathroom at his home while she showered.
      She claimed she was “left in shock” as she saw a “figure at the door” and realised the footballer was stood “aroused” in his boxers.
      The woman said she put a towel around her and was attempting to get her underwear on when Mendy told her: “You don’t have to be scared”.
      Jurors heard he tried to rape her as she repeatedly asked him to stop before leaving the room.
      The woman later said: “I was confused. Like, do people in his house know what’s happening? Would it make any difference if I’d said anything?
      “I mean, they’re his friends, it’s his territory, I didn’t scream, because I didn’t understand what was going on. I’m not really a screamer anyway, so I just tried to struggle my way out of it.”
      The court was told she had met Mendy and a pal, who she had consensual sex with, in Europe at a nightclub.
      They later arranged to meet up in Manchester in October 2018 where she went to a restaurant and bar with Mendy and the friend.
      While at the second venue, the footballer allegedly came up behind the woman and told her: “When he’s not looking, I’m gonna kidnap you.”
      Opening the case today, prosecutor Benjamin Aina KC said: “The prosecution say that the person responsible for the sexual abuse suffered by these two women was Benjamin Mendy.
      “Benjamin Mendy is a footballer who was under contract to Manchester City FC. He would have parties and social gatherings at his home.
      “He would have both male and female guests at his social gatherings. It is the prosecution’s case that on two separate occasions, Mr Mendy took advantage of two of his female guests.”
      The retrial comes after Mendy was listed as being released by City on the Premier League website.
      The Premier League champions haven’t published their own list yet but the left-back’s contract expires at the end of this month.
      City spent a reported £49.2million signing Mendy from French side Monaco in 2017.
      He last played for the club on August 15, 2021, during their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at the start of last season.
      In September 2020, City boss Pep Guardiola revealed Mendy would be out of the game for at least a month due to an injury.
      He was later suspended pending an investigation after being charged.
      Read More On The Sun
      Mendy denies one count of rape and one of attempted rape.
      The trial continues.
      Mendy denies rape and attempted rapeCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Mendy has been released by CityCredit: Getty More

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      Argentina World Cup star Claudio Caniggia accused of sexually assaulting his ex-wife

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      EX-RANGERS star Claudio Caniggia has been prosecuted for “aggravated sexual abuse” following accusations made by his ex-wife.Former partner, Mariana Nannis, accused the Argentina striker of “beating and threatening to kill her” in a hotel room in 2018.
      Caniggia helped the Rangers win an SPL title, two Scottish Cups and two League CupsCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Ex-Rangers star Claudio Caniggia has been accused of aggravated sexual assaultCredit: EPA
      Mariana Nannis showed leg bruises from the alleged crimeCredit: Nosotros a la mañana
      Mariana was married to the player for 31 years, and they have three children togetherCredit: Social Media
      Caniggia, 56, was prosecuted on Monday without pretrial detention, Argentine newspaper Clarín reports.
      Authorities established that Caniggia “should refrain from maintaining any kind of contact with the complainant, Mariana Belén Solange Nannis Silles, be it in person, telephone, text messages, social networks, emails or WhatsApp, instant messengers or an intermediary person.”
      He will also have to “inform and prove, more than five business days in advance, when he will leave the national territory of the Argentine Republic, expressly indicating the destination to which he will go and the time that he will remain present in foreign territory.”
      Authorities have also issued an embargo on the footballer’s assets for £15,400 – or five million Argentine pesos.
      Read more on football
      It was established that this amount must be deposited in the country’s public bank, Banco Ciudad, “at the disposal of this judicial headquarters within the term of three days of notification of this order.”
      Caniggia was married to Mariana for 31 years, and they have three children together.
      The couple split in 2019 after he got together with model Sofia Bonelli – who he wed that year.
      Mariana filed her complaint to the prosecutor’s office of Dr Carlos Velarde in February 2020.
      Most read in Football
      After months of investigation, it was determined that the alleged crime happened in the early hours of May 5, 2018, after the couple left a wedding party in Buenos Aires and headed to Residencias del Hotel Faena, also in the Argentine capital.
      According to the file, Caniggia tried to have sexual relations with his then wife, but when she refused, he threatened to kill her, Clarin reported.
      He then “failed to punch her in the face as she covered herself with her hands, but then hit her in the arms and hands,” according to Mariana’s account, who claimed that she was sexually abused after the assault.
      The ex-wife’s complaint also mentioned that Caniggia’s alleged violence “affected her and the couple’s children, as well as some aspects of family privacy.”
      In March last year, the World Cup star appeared in court after being accused of rape.
      However, Judge Pablo Ormaechea ruled that there was not enough evidence to make a decision, and had asked the prosecution to continue investigating.
      The player is now no longer being accused of rape, but instead, he is being prosecuted for aggravated sexual abuse.
      In Argentine law, both aggravated sexual abuse and rape are serious offences, but they are defined and treated differently.
      Aggravated sexual abuse refers to any sexual act without consent, involving violence, threats, or abuse of authority.
      It can also include situations where the victim is unable to give consent due to factors such as age or disability.
      On the other hand, rape, known as “abuso sexual con acceso carnal” in Argentina, specifically involves non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration.
      It typically carries more severe penalties compared to aggravated sexual abuse.
      Caniggia helped the Rangers win an SPL title, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups after a 2001 move from Dundee.
      He scored seven goals in 21 Dundee appearances following his 2000 arrival from Atalanta.
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      The striker also played for River Plate, Hellas Verona, Roma, Benfica, Boca Juniors and Qatar SC.
      Last week, the ex-footballer attended the opening of Legends: The Home of Football museum, in Madrid, Spain.
      Mariana filed her complaint in February 2020Credit: YouTube/Susana
      Last year, the Argentina World Cup star appeared in court after being accused of rapeCredit: AFP
      Caniggia (pictured left) with fellow Argentine Diego MaradonaCredit: Reuters More

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      Rapist footy star David Goodwillie signs for new club in Australia – only for contract to be SCRAPPED hours later

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      DISGRACED striker David Goodwillie’s signing was announced by an Australian club only for the move to be axed just HOURS later.Semi-pro outfit Sorrento FC announced the controversial player – who was ruled by a civil court in 2017 to have raped a woman – had joined the club alongside a couple of other signings.
      Goodwillie played for Clyde before his switch to RaithCredit: PA
      Raith received huge backlash for signing GoodwillieCredit: SNS
      A statement on social media from the Perth-based club announced his signing, lauding his experience.
      Sorrento, who are managed by Scottish former midfielder Steven McGarry, posted on Facebook: “With David, we get a player with real quality and experience. He’s played in the top leagues in England and Scotland while also representing Scotland at international level so he’s a massive addition to the club.”
      However, within a matter of hours, that post had been DELETED and Goodwillie’s contract dramatically RESCINDED.
      Another statement appeared on Facebook, reading: “Sorrento Football Club has rescinded its contract with David Goodwillie.

      “David was scheduled to arrive in Perth within the next week to commence playing with the club for the remainder of the 2023 NPLM season.
      “The arrangement was non-commercial in nature.
      “The club has informed David of its decision and apologises to anyone in our football and broader community that may have been caused offence by this signing.”
      Sorrento announced his signing on FacebookCredit: FACEBOOK
      But the deal was cancelled just HOURS laterCredit: FACEBOOK
      Goodwillie, 34, was ruled to be a rapist in a civil court case in 2017 and was ordered to pay £100,000 in damages by a judge over the incident six years previously.
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      He maintained his innocence and no criminal charges were brought against him.
      Goodwillie’s high-profile transfer to Championship club Raith Rovers in January 2022 caused a huge backlash and he eventually had his contract torn up without kicking a ball for the club.
      Clyde, with whom he’d been playing before joining Raith, re-signed him on loan but they too ended up performing a U-turn and terminated that deal too after they received severe criticism.
      Goodwillie subsequently appeared as a tralist for non-league Livingston United before moving to English club Radcliffe FC.
      However, that move too proved controversial and he was released having played just ONCE.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Watford FC physio Phil Edwards ‘carried out horrifying sex attacks on 29 teen boys at club’, report claims

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      A WATFORD FC physio sexually abused 29 teenage boys while working at the club, a report has found.The Championship side investigated allegations against Phil Edwards, who is thought to have killed himself in 2019 while facing claims he had assaulted a boy.
      Watford’s investigation found 29 potential victims of football physio Phil EdwardsCredit: Getty
      Paedophile physio Edwards is believed to have killed himself in June 2019Credit: UPPA/Photoshot
      It has now been revealed that as many as 29 potential victims were contacted by Watford, as well as six members of staff.
      The inquiry heard how Edwards was known to some at the Hertfordshire club as “Paedo Phil” and “Feel me up Phil”.
      Some 18 of the survivors provided signed accounts of their alleged abuse by Edwards when they were aged between 13 and 15.
      Edwards was arrested in June 2019 on suspicion of sexual activity with a child at his Woodside physiotherapy clinic in Watford.
      Read More On Football Abuse Scandal
      A fortnight later the 60-year-old was found dead at the home where he lived alone, with police suggesting he killed himself.
      Another 18 police complaints were filed against him for alleged child sexual offences between 1998 and 2019.
      Edwards is believed to have abused players at Watford’s Vicarage Road ground as well as his private clinic and his home in the 1980s and 1990s.
      The details have been revealed in a newly-published addition to Clive Sheldon KC’s independent report into child sexual abuse in football.
      Most read in Football
      Some of the assaults are alleged to have happened at Watford’s Vicarage Road groundCredit: Getty
      The inquiry found English football did not do enough to protect children from predatory coaches from 1970 to 2005, cataloguing failings by eight clubs – including Chelsea and Manchester City – to act on concerns.
      Watford has now apologised to all victims they contacted, today’s addendum to the report says.
      Survivors told of Edwards carrying out unnecessary groin examinations, ordering them to strip naked and squat before he lay alongside them, given boys alcohol and showed them pornography, as well as encouraging them to “perform sexual acts”.
      Some also described how “Edwards appeared to enjoy inflicting pain on them and laughed or shouted at them if they cried”.
      Watford said they could find no payroll record nor personnel file to “show that Edwards was ever employed” by them, though acknowledged he provided physiotherapy services there and held “a position of influence and access within the club”.
      They also said the former members of staff they contacted “all denied any knowledge of the alleged abuse by Edwards”.
      One survivor alleged that club legend and former England manager Graham Taylor was told of the accusations against Edwards while he was Watford boss but “nothing was done”.
      Two members of staff who allegedly witnessed the conversation have denied doing so and Mr Sheldon accepted Watford’s insistence there was “no corroborating evidence to support that any staff member knew that the alleged abuse by Edwards was taking place”.
      He also highlighted the importance of Taylor, who died aged 72 in January 2017, being unable to contribute to the investigation.
      Lawyers representing the club reached out-of-court settlements in January with five former youth team players who said Edwards sexually abused them.
      In a statement, Watford said: “As a club, Watford FC wishes to apologise to all young people who experienced the behaviour perpetrated by the late Phil Edwards, while holding a position of influence and access within the club.
      “We thank the survivors for their courage and dignity in all of their dealings with Watford FC, their patience also which allowed us to both conduct a thorough internal investigation and work with Clive Sheldon KC and his team with regards to their own independent findings.
      “We are doing, and will continue to do, everything we can to ensure that the boys, girls, men and women who play for this club – and indeed anyone who works for or with the club – will not have to endure the experiences these young people did.
      “Watford FC will continue to champion best practice in relation to the safeguarding and welfare of the people in its charge.
      “Further, the input and observations of survivors, based on their experiences, will always be welcome in the future.
      “Support remains available for anyone who believes it would be beneficial to them.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with allegations about former youth coach Barry Bennell, who is now serving a 34-year prison sentence for sex offences against young boys.
      Among the ex-players who came forward to reveal they had been abused by Bennell when youngsters were former Bury and Sheffield United footballer Andy Woodward, the first to speak out, and then ex-England, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool star Paul Stewart.
      Former Chelsea youth player Bennell worked for Crewe Alexandra in the 1980s and 1990s and also had links with Manchester City and Stoke City.
      The FA said in today’s statement: “We continue to offer support to anyone who has been impacted by non-recent child sexual abuse in football.
      Read More On The Sun
      “If anyone is ready to come forward at this time, they can do so without waiving their anonymity and there is support in place if they want to access it.
      “Abuse can be reported via the NSPCC Helpline on 0800 023 2642 or the police.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with accusations against serial offender Barry Bennell, now serving a 34-year jail term for abusing young boysCredit: PA More

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      Ex-Liverpool and Chelsea ace Fernando Torres ‘suing Spanish government for £687k’ after his gym was shut during pandemic

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      FERNANDO TORRES is reportedly taking the Spanish Government to court for damages to his gym business.The former Liverpool and Chelsea star owns a chain of gyms called “New Fitness” but the business took a hit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
      Fernando Torres now runs a chain of gyms called ‘New Fitness’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/fernandotorres/
      Fernando Torres starred at Liverpool between 2007 and 2011Credit: Getty
      The Spaniard scored an iconic Champions League goal for Chelsea in 2012Credit: Getty
      Spanish news outlet El Confidencial, via Football Espana claims Torres’ gym chain had been making profits of up to £86,000.
      However, this was before Spain’s government and Madrid council introduced safety measures to counteract the pandemic.
      As a result of this, the retired striker’s profits fell massively to a £172,000 loss the next year.
      Torres, 39, has since alleged that the government’s restrictions were “disproportionate and intense” and is thought to be seeking a reimbursement of £687,000.
      READ MORE ON FERNANDO TORRES
      His case has been rejected by the local justice system, as per the report.
      But it has has now reached the Supreme Court with Torres demanding that his company’s losses be reimbursed.
      It has not yet been decided if the current Atletico Madrid U19 manager’s challenge will be successful.
      Recently, Torres was sent off during a game for shoving Alvaro Arbeloa, who was coaching Real Madrid’s side.
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      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      Things spilled over when Torres and Arbeloa began a battle on the touchline as the two men were seen shouting before squaring up to each other after a ruckus on the field.
      Torres joined the English top flight in 2007 for Liverpool before joining Chelsea four years later until his departure in 2015.
      During his time at the Reds he was one of the best strikers in the world as he netted 81 goals in 142 appearances for the club.
      He joined the Blues in 2011 for £50million but struggled to hit the same level at Stamford Bridge.
      Although he was part of the team that won the Champions League in 2012. More

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      Inside tragic downfall of ex-Premier League star who went from millions to Universal Credit & court rows

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      AN EX-PREMIER League star has gone from earning millions to claiming benefits and fighting court battles.Marcus Bent, 45, enjoyed a stellar career with spells at Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Wolves and represented England at U21 level.
      Marcus Bent celebrates scoring for Everton against Southampton in 2005Credit: Getty
      Bent arriving at Guildford Crown Court in February 2016Credit: Simon Jones – The Sun
      The London-born striker notched more than 100 goals across 14 different clubs, before falling out of the professional game in 2012.
      He attempted to make a comeback with non-league sides Wick, based in Sussex, and Suffolk-based Cornard United, but his life deteriorated as he moved away from full-time football.
      Last week, Bent fought off bankruptcy trustees who tried for four years to seize a London property.
      London’s specialist Insolvency and Companies Court heard he owned the house and should hand it over to help pay off debts.
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      But Bent said the property belonged to his 19-year-old daughter after he purchased it for her in 2006 and intended for it to be held in a trust.
      Judge Clive Jones ruled in his favour, but told the court Bent’s estimated debt following bankruptcy proceedings brought by tax officials was “a couple of million”.
      It is a fall from grace from the £20,000 a week he earned at the height of his football career, amassing £10m in total.
      Bent turned to alcohol and drugs following his retirement, being hit with a conviction for drink driving and a suspended sentence when he called police to his home while under the influence of cocaine.
      Most read in Football
      Struggling with managing his finances, Bent was also forced to claim Universal Credit benefits.
      The revelation emerged as he was banned from the road after admitting drink driving in February last year.
      Bent was caught behind the wheel while nearly four times the limit while driving his grey BMW X5 three-litre diesel on the A3 at Tibbet’s Corner in south-west London.
      He was disqualified from driving for 32 months following a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.
      A probation officer blamed his split from his ex-girlfriend, mental health issues and bankruptcy.
      Bent’s lawyer Scott Ewing also told the court the ex-footballer was “remorseful” while outlining his financial woes.
      Mr Ewing told the court: “He is not working at the moment, but does some football match commentary and recently was on Universal Credit.
      Bent received the Premier League player of the month award in February 2002Credit: Getty
      Bent was banned from driving following a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates’ CourtCredit: Square Mile News
      “He has no income, save for a £20,000 return on an investment, and says he had depression that led to drug and alcohol issues in the past.”
      The lawyer also described how football had been a “comfort blanket” for Bent, who struggled with going from a “high-profile, successful career to nothing”.
      He added: “Unfortunately sycophants and leeches provided unregulated investment advice.
      “He has now hit rock bottom, from where he’s looking up and there’s only one direction to go and that’s to give advice to others so they don’t fall into the same traps.
      “It is a pity it has taken something like this for Mr Bent to get the assistance he needs.”
      The troubled former footballer received a suspended prison sentence after a conviction for possession of cocaine and affray following an incident in which he was Tasered by police at his home in Esher, Surrey, in September 2015.
      Bent called police from his bathroom fearing for his left shortly after 9.30pm.
      He believed someone was inside his apartment and three officers arrived 16 minutes later.
      A battering ram was used to break down the door, but officers when then faced with a topless Bent holding a meat cleaver and knife in either hand.
      Bent told The Athletic: “I was paranoid. I was hallucinating. I felt there were people in my house. I remember thinking the door handle was moving.
      “I called the police and I picked up something to defend myself. When the police came, I went to the door with these knives.
      “If I think back, obviously I should have put the knives down but I wasn’t in a good way. So, of course, they were terrified — someone who’s on drugs, someone who’s paranoid, with two knives.
      “They tasered me and I think you know the rest. But I remember going into the police station and actually feeling secure and safe. ‘I’m locked up now. No one can get me’.
      “That’s how my mind was at that time. Then, the next morning, there was talk of me being charged with attempted murder. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
      “At no point was I ever going to take someone’s life. I called them because I was hallucinating, paranoid, terrified.”
      Bent was given a 12-month suspended prison sentence for admitting affray and possession of cocaine in February 2016.
      He found himself back in trouble with police when he was arrested at Chessington World of Adventures in June later the same year and charged with cocaine possession.
      Bent was fined £385 with £85 costs.
      But he was successful in court last week when the Insolvency and Companies Court found the London property “fell outside the bankruptcy estate” and that trustees administering the estate, had “no interest” in it.
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      His daughter is from a former relationship with ex-fiancee Kelly Clark which ended in 2006, the same year he got together with Hollyoaks actress and future Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson.
      After they too split he later dated model and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Danielle Lloyd.
      Bent pictured playing for Birmingham CityCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Bent (playing for Wolves) has had a fall from grace since his playing daysCredit: PA:Empics Sport More